What better way to welcome in the festive season, than Lydiard House and its stunning grounds…
Lydiard Park Christmas Lights Switch On:
Join us for a festive and heart-warming evening at the Lydiard Park Christmas Lights Switch On.
Enjoy music and carols before witnessing the magical moment when Lydiard’s Christmas tree is officially lit up! Festive food and drink will be available throughout the evening, including mulled wine, cider and tasty bratwurst (vegan and gluten free options also available). Plus, this year we’re thrilled to be welcoming Sugar Shack Bakery to the event with their delicious bakes and sweet treats.
Come along and join us outside Lydiard House on Friday 29th November, 4:30 pm – 6pm. No need to book. We look forward to seeing you there!
This event marks the start of our festive programme at Lydiard Park, which includes Guided Tours of Lydiard House with Cream Tea, A Country House Christmas, Lydiard Ghost Stories at Christmas, Carols by Candlelight, Christmas Parties and an incredible New Year’s Eve Party.
Christmas Parties at Lydiard Park Hotel:
Hold your end of year celebrations and Christmas Parties, in the unique and unforgettable setting of Lydiard Park Hotel. For only £55 per person, you will receive a complimentary arrival drink and indulge in a 3-course dinner, before dancing the night away with our DJ and disco.
Christmas Party bookings are available for between 75 and 120 guests.
Timings:
Guests can arrive from 7pm, with dinner served promptly at 7.30pm. Dance the night away before carriages home at 12.30am.
Joiner party nights are also available – please contact us for more information.
Special accommodation rates available for party guests.
For more information, available dates, and booking please call 01793 464644 or email us at lydiardevents@swindon.gov.uk.
Lydiard Ghost Tales at Christmas:
Prepare to step into the shadows this December as we revive a chilling tradition that goes back thousands of years.
Friday 13th December, 6pm – 7.30pm
Suitable for ages 10+
£10 per person – includes arrival drink
In the atmospheric setting of Lydiard house, surrounded by traditional Christmas cheer, you’ll hear spine-tingling ghost stories about some of the spirits that have been reported at Lydiard over the centuries.
Expect to hear about the grey cowled figure of malevolence that stalks the graveyard, the silent drummer and Sir John St. John himself. We will also hear about strange goings on at Christmas time 1944 during the time when the grounds had become ‘Camp 160’, – a German prisoner of war hospital. There will also be a ‘premiere’ of Lydiard’s version of ‘The Legend of the Mistletoe Bough’’.
Our fascination with ghostly stories during the festive season goes all the way back to ancient winter solstice celebrations. Recounting tales of brave heroes, monstrous creatures and the supernatural became a cherished midwinter tradition, which keep people entertained during those long, dark nights. The Victorians put their spin on it, relating ghost stories directly to the festive season – the idea of something dreadful lurking beyond the light and laughter inspired some chilling tales.
On the day of the event: please arrive at the entrance to Lydiard House Museum for 6pm. You will then receive a complimentary arrival drink before the storytelling session begins. If you are travelling by car, we recommend using the Hay Lane entrance to Lydiard Park as this will lead you to the closest car park to Lydiard House.
This event is part of a celebration of folk in Swindon this winter. The exhibition Un/Common People: Folk Culture in Wessex opens at Museum and Art Swindon on 29 November 2024 and runs until 8 March 2025.
Spaces are limited and tickets must be booked in advance. Full payment online is required at the time of booking.
To book, click HERE.
Carols by Candlelight at St Mary’s Church with Cream Tea
Mark the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of Advent this December.
Dates: Tuesday 10th & Tuesday 17th
Get into the Christmas spirit by joining us for traditional carols and readings of festive favourites, in the beautiful setting of St Mary’s Church. This long-established celebration of the Yuletide season will take place by candlelight.
On the day, please arrive at Lydiard Park in plenty of time to ensure the carol service can start at 4pm.
After the service, it’s a very short walk to the Lydiard Park Hotel, where you will enjoy a delicious cream tea.
Cream Tea includes
- Two scones (one plain and one fruit scone)
- Jam and Cornish clotted cream
- Tea and coffee
Enjoy all of the above for £18 per person.
Seating will be open at this event, so you can choose your own seats with friends and family.
To book tickets, click HERE.
Spaces are limited and tickets must be booked in advance. Click on your preferred date above to book online. Full payment online is required at the time of booking. Tickets will be available to purchase up until the Friday before the event, subject to availability.
Festive Guided Tour of Lydiard House with Cream Tea:
Indulge in an afternoon of festive treats at Lydiard House Museum this December.
Dates: 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th December.
Discover the fascinating history of the St John family, with its colourful characters, scandals and tragedies. Traditional foliage, floral decorations and a real Christmas tree will deck the elegant staterooms to re-create the intimate atmosphere of a country house Christmas.
On the day, the guided tour will begin at 1pm – so please arrive at the entrance to Lydiard House Museum five minutes before.
After the tour, it’s a very short walk to the Lydiard Park Hotel, where you will enjoy a delicious cream tea. This includes scones, jam and Cornish clotted cream with tea and coffee.
Enjoy all of the above for £20 per person.
Seating will be open at this event, so you can choose your own seats with friends and family.
To book tickets, click HERE.
Spaces are limited and tickets must be booked in advance. Click on your preferred date above to book online. Full payment online is required at the time of booking. Tickets will be available to purchase up until the Friday before the event, subject to availability.
Entertainment Swindon 
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